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JULY 2007 INDUSTRY NEWS

 

The Pittsburgh Conference Launches Pittcon 2008 Website

The Pittsburgh Conference announces the launch of its 2008 website, www.pittcon.org, containing relevant information for conferees and exhibitors about Pittcon 2008 from March 2-7, 2008, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA.

One of the new features for this year's website is blogs, a forum for the continuation of the Conferee Networking Sessions (CNS) introduced at Pittcon 2007.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Technologies in Pharmaceutical Science
  • HPLC/MS Users Forum
  • New Faculty/Competitive Research/Teaching
  • ICP-MS and Chromatography for Metals Speciation

Conferees, exhibitors, media, and the general scientific community are encouraged to log in and participate in these discussions of major scientific interest.

Another new interactive feature of the 2008 Pittcon website is the "Visit New Orleans" section where a visitor can take a video tour of the sights or one showcasing a sample of meetings and conventions that were recently held in New Orleans.

Information about the Technical Program, Short Courses, and the Exposition will be posted, and functionality implemented as it becomes available throughout the year.

Pittcon® is a registered trademark of The Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, a Pennsylvania non-profit organization. Visit www.pittcon.org for more information.


L.S. Starrett Buys Kinemetric Engineering

The L.S. Starrett Co. announced it has acquired Kinemetric Engineering LLC, a privately held company that specializes in precision measuring technologies, for $2.3 million.

Starrett said it will retain Kinemetric’s office in Laguna Hills, Calif., and its work force of about 10 people.

“They bring new managerial talent and engineering talent to the company, and it’s a good fit with our metrology product offerings,” said Douglas A. Starrett, president and chief executive of Starrett.

Starrett makes tools and specialized instruments capable of rendering precise measurements for a variety of industries. Metrology refers to the science of measurement and the processes and products used to make measurements.

Kinemetric specializes in video-based devices, motion devices and custom systems that measure objects without touching them. Mr. Starrett said Kinemetric’s products can be used in the medical device, aeronautics, metalworking and other industries.

The two companies have previously worked together, with Kinemetric supplying vision-based metrology products to Starrett, according to Mr. Starrett. Kinemetric will now oversee sales and support of Starrett’s optical projectors, devices that make precise measurements with optical technologies.

Starrett has operations around the world, including manufacturing plants in Scotland, China, Brazil and the Dominican Republic. The company employs more than 2,000 people. Last year, Starrett acquired Tru-Stone Technologies of Waite Park, Minn., which specializes in making granite machine bases and accessories for makers of semiconductors, electronics and other products.

Mr. Starrett said Kinemetric fits nicely into Starrett’s existing business.

“The integration of Kinemetric into the Starrett company should be relatively straightforward, and we’re really looking forward to working with the whole team,” he said.

 

New NIST Measurement Office Focuses on Innovation

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Director William Jeffrey has named Clare Allocca as the chief of NIST’s new United States Measurement System (USMS) Office. The creation of the office marks the start of the second phase of NIST’s USMS effort to ensure that the nation’s measurement infrastructure—a large, diverse collection of private and public-sector organizations—can sustain U.S. innovation at a world-leading pace.

Phase I of the USMS effort culminated in February 2007 with a wide-ranging NIST assessment of the state of the nation’s measurement system and its impact on innovation. The USMS report, including contributions from more than 1,000 people in industry, academia and government, surveyed measurement needs across 11 industrial sectors and technology areas to identify more than 700 measurement-related barriers to innovation.

NIST’s USMS Office will take the lead in the implementation of Phase II, which includes continual collection of measurement needs of U.S. industry, government and the scientific community; the periodic assessment of the health of the U.S. Measurement System, through identification of priority areas needing improvements; and the facilitation of these improvements via dissemination of needs to appropriate measurement providers, including NIST.

Allocca brings a wealth of experience to her new role as USMS Office Chief. Previously, she served as scientific advisor to the director of NIST’s Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory. Her NIST career also includes positions in the agency’s Industrial Liaison Office, Program Office, Director’s Office and the Advanced Technology Program. Before joining NIST, she was a senior materials engineer for Pratt & Whitney.

"NIST will lead the USMS effort," says Allocca, "but our success in addressing priority measurement needs will really depend on close collaboration with other measurement providers, standards development organizations and many others."

For more on the USMS, including access to the assessment report, go to www.nist.gov/usms.

 

Hexagon Metrology Opens New Precision Center Serving Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas

Hexagon Metrology has announced that it has opened a new 8,000 square foot precision center in Irving, Texas, serving its customers and supporting distribution channels in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas. The product lines include Brown & Sharpe, DEA, Leitz, Leica Geoystems, ROMER, PC-DMIS, Sheffield, and TESA. All calls regarding any Hexagon Metrology product or service can be directed to the local precision center, or the respective brand factories.

"We are very excited to have this new center up and running," said Lester Glover, Hexagon Metrology's Director of Business Development, South Region. "This is the latest in a series of moves that Hexagon Metrology has made to take our support in key regions of the country to a higher level. We know from experience with our other ten North American Precision Centers that the precision center business model is the best way to take care of our customers."

The new state-of-the-art facility, with over 8,000 square feet of space, will serve the four-state area as a regional demonstration, training, and service center. A certified calibration lab for Leica Laser Trackers is on-site, as well as a large showroom and training classrooms for PC-DMIS software. The center, which is presently staffed and open for business, will have a grand opening celebration on August 15th, from 9:00 to 4:30, with demonstrations, tours and a BBQ lunch. Please call Deborah Butler at 615-931-0100 for lunch reservations.

Hexagon Metrology has also reached a mutual agreement to conclude its relationship with Crescent Gage & Tool Sales of Rowlett, Texas, as sales representatives of the Sheffield and ROMER product lines, effective immediately. All calls regarding any Hexagon Metrology product or service can be directed to the local precision center, or the respective brand factories.

Contact information:
Hexagon Metrology, Inc.
7805 Mesquite Bend Dr.
Suite 130C
Irving, TX 75063
Telephone: (972) 506-8359
Fax: (972) 506-9162

 

Fluke Events at the 2007 NCSLI Workshop & Symposium

The 2007 NCSLI Workshop and Symposium is being held in St. Paul, Minnesota, July 29 through August 2. The conference theme is "Metrology's Impact on Products and Services."

Fluke news and events surrounding this year's NCSLI include:

Temperature calibration tutorials: Fluke's Hart Scientific Division will offer two half-day NCSLI tutorials on Saturday, July 28: "Fundamentals of Temperature Calibration" and "Temperature Calibration Uncertainties Analysis."

Pressure calibration tutorials: DH Instruments, a Fluke Company, will offer two half-day NCSLI tutorials on Sunday, July 29: "Very Low Pressure Calibration" and "Very Low Pressure Applications." Details and registration information are available on the NCSL Conference web site at www.ncsli.org/conference/2007/.

Guardbanding tutorial: Fluke will offer a half day NCSLI tutorial on Sunday, July 29: "Good Bad & Indeterminate. Who Makes the Call.” Details and registration information are available on the NCSL Conference web site at www.ncsli.org/conference/2007/.

NCSLI President's Reception. Please visit the Fluke-sponsored NCSLI President's Reception on Monday on Monday, July 30, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Landmark Center. Always an eagerly anticipated event, this event will feature smoked salmon from the Pacific Northwest, as well as a selection of micro-brews and wines.

Fluke booth. Come see the latest new products and services from Fluke, Fluke's Hart Scientific Division, and DH Instruments, a Fluke Company. You will see a broad range of solutions in electrical, rf, temperature, pressure, and flow calibration.

 

TEGAM Gets 3-Year DOD Contract

TEGAM, a privately held company specializing in the manufacture and support of test, measurement and calibration instruments has been awarded a three-year $1.6 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense.

The big order is for calibration instruments for radio transformers, synchro-resolver standards, power standards and power measurement bridges used in calibration laboratories around the world. The measurement and calibration instruments will provide regular maintenance of the U.S. Navy's aircraft and avionics equipment.

TEGAM is planning to release two new products in September. One is an amplification instrument, which allows product owners to configure communications, medical, automotive and radio instruments to fill unique needs. The other new product meets a need in the instrumentation world.

TEGAM was founded in 1979 by Terry Gambill and was purchased by Andy Brush and Adam Fleder in 2005. TEGAM has hired six engineers in product development, and the company is on a growth upswing, Fleder said. For more information visit www.tegam.com.

 

Samuel E. Chappell; Expert on Weights and Measures

Samuel E. Chappell, 76, an authority on weights and measures who was the U.S. representative to an international treaty group that established standards of measurement for food and commercial products, died June 28 of complications from cancer at Georgetown University Hospital. He lived in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Chappell spent 38 years with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (formerly the National Bureau of Standards), including 13 years as head of the Office of Technical Standards Activities. In that role, he was one of the country's foremost experts on legal metrology, or the establishment of standards of weights and measures to regulate commerce, public health and environmental safety.

His department studied and maintained standards for many kinds of measuring devices, including gasoline pumps, grocery store scales and police breath-testing equipment. Dr. Chappell was the U.S. representative to the International Organization of Legal Metrology, an intergovernmental group that coordinates the performance and accuracy of measuring instruments. He was presented the organization's highest award.

He was also active in several leading industry organizations, including the American Society for Testing and Materials, the International Organization for Standardization, the National Conference on Weights and Measures and the American National Standards Institute. He was a member of ANSI's appeals board, which is charged with maintaining measurement standards for the private sector.

After graduating from Virginia State University, he had a fellowship to study radiological physics at the University of Rochester in New York in the early 1950s. He was a health physicist in the Army from 1953 to 1955. While attending graduate school at Pennsylvania State University, he worked summers at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. He received a master's degree in 1959 and a doctorate in 1962, both in physics.

In 1962, Dr. Chappell joined the old National Bureau of Standards and spent 10 years conducting research in its Radiation Physics Division. He then served in the Office of Information Programs and Foreign Affairs before going to the Office of Technical Standards Activities, where he worked for 22 years.

 

Keithley Instruments Recognized for Excellence by Texas Instruments

Keithley Instruments, a leader in solutions for emerging measurement needs, announced that it has received the Texas Instruments (TI) 2006 Supplier Excellence Award. The annual award honors firms whose dedication and commitment in supplying products and services meet TI's high standards for excellence. Recipients are chosen for their exemplary performance in the areas of cost, environmental responsibility, technology, responsiveness, assurance of supply, and quality. TI’s management team from the WPL-Assembly and Test Capital Equipment business group presented the award to Keithley personnel

Keithley supplies a wide range of electrical test and measurement hardware and software to TI, including the Model 4200-SCS Semiconductor Characterization System, the S600 Series Parametric Test Systems, and high performance sourcing/measuring/switching DC instrumentation.

“This award is particularly meaningful given the strict standards and rigorous quality metrics required by TI,” said Keithley vice president, business management Mark Hoersten. “We are grateful to have customers recognize our own commitment to providing the highest levels of measurement integrity, outstanding customer service, and dedication to reducing Cost of Test.”

Hoersten added that the TI Supplier Excellence Award is one of several honors Keithley has won recently from customers and industry analyst groups that recognize the firm’s gains in measurement performance and ability to deliver consistent customer service on a global scale.

For more information visit Keithley at www.keithley.com.

 

Bosch Engineering Expands Services to North American Market

Robert Bosch LLC is announcing the formation of Bosch Engineering North America (BEG) to expand its engineering services capabilities to the North American market. The division, located in Farmington Hills, Mich., enhances Bosch's product development activities in the North American market through engineering services, including specification, function development, calibration and software integration for embedded control systems.

"Bosch Engineering North America provides an extension of Bosch's extensive automotive engineering capabilities that have sustained our technology advancements for more than 100 years," said Keith Andrews, Regional President Bosch Engineering North America. "With this, we are bringing our innovative expertise to the growing field of engineering services in North America."

In the United States market, BEG will extend Bosch's portfolio by providing flexible engineering services from initial concept to production release for both traditional and niche customers. Additionally, the team will work closely with its German counterparts to capitalize on their
global experience.

In the future, BEG plans to expand activities outside the traditional Bosch areas, such as gasoline, chassis and diesel, to provide engineering services in non-automotive markets such as marine, off-highway and stationary engines. This expansion will increase Bosch's overall engineering capacity over the next several years.

The Bosch Group is a leading global manufacturer of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology. In fiscal 2006, approximately 260,000 associates generated sales of 43.7 billion euros, or $54.9 billion. Set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering," the Bosch Group today comprises a manufacturing, sales, and after-sales service network of approximately 280 subsidiaries and more than 12,000 service centers in over 140 countries.

In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, thermo-technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs 24,750 associates in more than 80 primary and 20 associated facilities throughout the region with reported sales of $8.8 billion in 2006. For more information on the company, visit http://www.bosch.us.

 

Mensor Corporation presented with the 2005-2006 Strategic Supplier Award.

Mensor Corporation is pleased to announce that it has received the Strategic Supplier Award from Rosemount, a division of Emerson Process Management making this the 12th consecutive year to receive a supplier award from Rosemount.

Mr. Ahamd Kian, Director of Strategic Sourcing, presented the award to Mr. Paul Neilson, President of Mensor, and Mr. Lee Graham, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Rosemount Supplier Summit held in Singapore. Mr. Kian stated “your total commitment and cooperation to our lean initiatives has proven that you are a true partner”. Mr. Kian also added “Rosemount suppliers are extensions of their factories and play a major role in making Rosemount a market leader in innovation and quality”.

Mensor has initiated a number of lean manufacturing programs over the last three years which have significantly contributed to improving both speed and flexibility in it’s manufacture of precision pressure measurement and calibration products. These initiatives implemented and embraced by all Mensor employee’s made this award possible and have further added to product and service quality and reliability.

Receiving the award, Mr. Neilson stated “receiving the Rosemount supplier award is an objective each year for Mensor. All Mensor employees work hard to support Rosemount with their supplier objectives”.

 

Rohde & Schwarz Canada Gets a New President

Test and measurement equipment supplier Rohde & Schwarz has appointed a new president for its Canada arm. Jack Cowper, who is currently vice president of the company, has been promoted to president of Rohde & Schwarz Canada Inc. He will continue to hold his current position as well, and report directly to the company’s chief executive officer Wolfgang Schmittseifer. Cowper replaces Peter Foulger, who is retiring but will continue to serve as a member of the Rohde & Schwarz Canada board of directors and will pursue special projects for the company.

Cowper has more than 15 years of experience in the test and measurement industry. He joined Rohde & Schwarz in 2000, and has served as marketing manager, director of marketing, and currently as vice president. In June 2004, Rohde & Schwarz substantially enhanced its facilities in both the U.S. and Canada and began selling directly (rather than through a reseller) to more effectively serve its growing customer base.

Before joining Rohde & Schwarz, Cowper served in sales, product marketing, strategic marketing, and corporate management positions at Tektronix and Applied Microsystems. He received his BSEE degree from Pennsylvania State University, his MBA from the University of Oregon, and has completed the Harvard University Program for Management Development. “Jack’s direct participation in the activities of both Rohde & Schwarz Canada and Rohde & Schwarz U.S.A. makes him uniquely suited for his new position,” said Schmittseifer. “As President of Rohde & Schwarz Canada he will be able to further reinforce the company’s commitment to Canadian customers, while also strengthening the relationship between our U.S. and Canadian organizations.”

Visit www.rohde-schwarz.com for more company information.

 

July 2007 Issue of NVLAP News Available

The July 2007 issue of NVLAP News is now available on NVLAP’s web site. Visit http://ts.nist.gov/Standards/whatsnew.cfm#july2007news to access the latest news.
This newsletter is e-mailed to laboratories enrolled in the NVLAP program and to NVLAP assessors and technical experts. Back issues of NVLAP News are available by accessing NVLAP’s Publications page.


Final Rule: cGMPs for Dietary Supplements

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing a final rule regarding current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) for dietary supplements. The final rule establishes the minimum CGMPs necessary for activities related to manufacturing, packaging, labeling, or holding dietary supplements to ensure the quality of the dietary supplement. The final rule is one of many actions related to dietary supplements that the FDA is taking to promote and protect the public health.

This rule is effective August 24, 2007. Visit http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/
2007/07-3039.htm to access the rule.

 

ILAC Publishes ILAC-G24:2007 Guidelines for the Determination of Calibration Intervals of Measuring Instruments

This publication - reference ILAC-G24 / OIML D 10, Edition 2007 - was developed by the ILAC Accreditation Committee and by OIML TC 4 Measurement standards and calibration and verification devices. This version supersedes OIML D 10 (Edition 1984). It was approved for final publication by ILAC in November 2005 and by the International Committee of Legal Metrology in 2002.

The purpose of this Document is to give laboratories, particularly while setting up their calibration system, guidance on how to determine calibration intervals. This Document identifies and describes the methods that are available and known for the evaluation of calibration intervals.

Download now at http://www.ilac.org/documents/WhatsNew.G24_2007.pdf.

 

Bobier Dimensional Laboratories Offers Dimensional Measurement Inspection Under Environmentally Controlled Measurement Conditions

Bobier Technical Services, in Flint, MI, offers Dimensional Measurement Services in an environmentally controlled Metrology Laboratory facility. The Bobier Metrology Lab is accredited by A2LA to the ISO/IEC-17025 standard.

With precise temperature, humidity and cleanliness controls, Bobier Laboratory dimensional inspection results are 2 to 5 times more accurate than typical Shop Floor inspection results. With the precise control of environment, repeatable measurement accuracies of less than 1 micron are possible.

Metrology services are available to provide fast, accurate results to your design specifications and fast initial measurement (reference) evaluations. Real-time Certified measurement results are based on industry-recognized material stabilization requirements. Your specifications can be communicated to us by CAD data or drawings.

Bobier full metrology laboratory capabilities include 3D measurement using fixed (stationary) or portable CMM equipment, with touch-probe, laser, and optical / vision equipment. Surface finish analysis and roundness measurement are also our specialties.

Portable CMM measurement services are offered in our Laboratory or at your location. Portable equipment is capable of measurement volumes to 20 cubic meters and greater.

Measurement results are presented in full-color, easy to read graphical reports, for easy interpretation and to fully visualize part dimensional conditions.

Bobier Dimensional Inspection Laboratory Advantages:

  • Accurate measurement results from state-of-the-art equipment that is traceable to NIST measurement standards.
  • Bobier Metrology Laboratories are located within an 11,400 sq. ft. fully air conditioned facility.

High Accuracy Laboratory Specifications:

  • 1520 sq. ft. laboratory area
  • Temperature controlled to 68 degrees ±1 degree
  • Humidity controlled to 40% ± 10%
  • Production Precision Laboratory Specifications:
  • 2500 sq. ft. laboratory area
  • Temperature controlled to 68 degrees ±2 degrees
  • Humidity controlled to 40% ± 15%
  • Bobier is located at the junction of two Major Interstate Highways (I-75 and I-69), major international ground transport trade (NAFTA) corridors.
  • Multi-mode transportation hub at Flint Bishop International Airport, featuring a FedEx regional distribution facility and offering Air, Rail and Ground Shipping capabilities. This Hub is located within 5 minutes from Bobier and is designated as an International Free-Trade zone.
  • Located in Michigan’s “Automation Alley”, which is globally recognized as the center for manufacturing and automotive technologies.

Contact Bobier Sales & Marketing at jim@bobiertool.com to discuss your measurement needs and to request the Dimensional Measurement Services brochure or visit the company website at www.pminspect.com.


ADDvantage Technologies Group, Inc. Subsidiary Jones Broadband International Appointed JDSU Authorized Service Partner

ADDvantage Technologies Group, Inc. announced that its subsidiary, Jones Broadband International, has entered into an agreement to become a member of JDSU's Authorized Service Partner Program.

As an Authorized Service Partner, Jones Broadband will provide certain test and measurement services and certified on-site calibration. In addition, JDSU's cable network operator customers will have the ability to pick-up and return products for standard calibration and basic services for JDSU test tools. Jones Broadband, one of four service providers involved in the program, will act as JDSU's service partner in the Western United States.

Commenting on the partnership, Ken Chymiak, President and CEO of ADDvantage Technologies, stated, "We are excited to be teaming up with JDSU to provide their customers in the Western U.S. with a regional service partner. Being selected by an industry leader such as JDSU speaks to the hard work and professionalism our employee’s exhibit on a daily basis. We believe that this will be a mutually beneficial relationship, and look forward to servicing their clients' needs."

ADDvantage Technologies Group, Inc. supplies the cable television (CATV) industry with a comprehensive line of new and used system-critical network equipment and hardware from leading manufacturers, including Scientific-Atlanta and Motorola, as well as operating a national network of technical repair centers. The equipment and hardware ADDvantage distributes is used to acquire, distribute, and protect the broad range of communications signals carried on fiber optic, coaxial cable and wireless distribution systems, including television programming, high-speed data (Internet) and telephony.

ADDvantage operates through its subsidiaries, Tulsat Corporation, ADDvantage Technologies Group of Nebraska, Inc., NCS Industries, Inc., ADDvantage Technologies Group of Missouri, Inc., ADDvantage Technologies Group of Texas, Tulsat-Atlanta, LLC, Jones Broadband International, Inc. and Tulsat-Pennsylvania LLC. For more information, please visit the corporate web site at www.addvantagetech.com.

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